Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), a core transcription factor responding to changes in cellular oxygen levels, is closely associated with a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. However, its differential impacts on vascular cell types and molecular programs modulating human vascular homeostasis and regeneration remain largely elusive. Here, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of human embryonic stem cells and directed differentiation to generate HIF-1α-deficient human vascular cells including vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as a platform for discovering cell type-specific hypoxia-induced response mechanisms. Through comparative molecular profiling across cell types under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, we provide insight into the indispensable role of HIF-1α in the promotion of ischemic vascular regeneration. We found human MSCs to be the vascular cell type most susceptible to HIF-1α deficiency, and that transcriptional inactivation of ANKZF1, an effector of HIF-1α, impaired pro-angiogenic processes. Altogether, our findings deepen the understanding of HIF-1α in human angiogenesis and support further explorations of novel therapeutic strategies of vascular regeneration against ischemic damage.
Humans ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Cell Hypoxia/physiology*

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of modified Baduanjin exercise, as an rehabilitation exercise, on cardiopulmonary function, motor function and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. MethodsFrom January to September, 2023, 42 stroke patients in the Nanjing Qixia District Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 21) and experimental group (n = 21). The control group received routine rehabilitation, and the experimental group received modified Baduanjin exercise in addition, for four weeks. They were assessed with peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), peak oxygen pulse (VO_2peak/HR), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremities (FMA-UE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after intervention. ResultsVO_2peak, AT, and the scores of FMA-UE, BBS and MBI improved in the control group after intervention (|t| > 2.256, |Z| > 2.936, P < 0.05); while VO_2peak, AT, VO_2peak/HR, FVC, FEV₁, PEF, and the scores of FMA-UE, BBS and MBI improved in the experimental group (|t| > 4.390, |Z| > 3.451, P < 0.001); and all the indexes were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 4.136，|Z| > 2.751，P < 0.01), except the scores of BBS and MBI. ConclusionModified Baduanjin exercise can improve the cardiopulmonary function and upper limb motor function for stroke patients.

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of autonomic nerve function on motor function in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) from the perspective of regional homogeneity (ReHo). MethodsFrom January to December, 2020, a total of 60 inpatients and outpatients with cerebral infarction in the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were divided into control group (n = 30) and PSD group (n = 30). Two groups were assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured. Ten patients in each group were selected randomly to undergo resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to calculate ReHo. ResultsAll HRV indices were lower in PSD group than in the control group (|t| > 2.092, P < 0.05). In PSD group, FMA and MBI scores showed positive correlations with 24-hour standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats over 24 hours (RMSSD), the percentage of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals over 24 hours that were greater than 50 ms (PNN50), total power (TP), very low frequency power (VLF) and low frequency power (LF) (r > 0.394, P < 0.05), and showed negative correlations with HAMD scores (|r| > 0.919, P < 0.001). HAMD scores in PSD group were negatively correlated with SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, TP and VLF (|r| > 0.769, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the ReHo increased in PSD group in the right rectus gyrus (142 voxels, t = 6.575), the left medial and paracingulate gyri (204 voxels, t = 4.925) (GRF correction, P_-Voxel < 0.005，P_-Cluster < 0.05); and reduced in the right cerebellum (191 voxels, t = -6.487), the left middle temporal gyrus (140 voxels, t = -5.516), and the left precentral gyrus (119 voxels, t = -4.764) (GRF correction, P_-Voxel < 0.005，P_-Cluster < 0.05) in PSD group. ConclusionAutonomic nerve function is related to motor dysfunction in patients with PSD. The modulation of emotional, cognitive and motor brain regions by the autonomic nervous system may play a role in influencing the motor function in patients with PSD.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum micro RNA(miRNAs)-873 and micro RNA-138-5p expression and tumor immune microenvironment(TIME)and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods A total of 108 NSCLC patients(NSCLC group)and 65 healthy volunteers(control group)who were admitted to Ba'nan Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University from February 2019 to February 2021 were selected.Real-time quantitative fluorescence polymeric chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the expression of miR-873 and miR-138-5p in serum,and multiple immunofluorescence staining was used to detect tumor immune microenvironment indicators.Regular follow-up was conducted after discharge.Pearson analyzed the correlation between the expression of miR-873 and miR-138-5p in serum and the TIME index,and Kaplan-Meier and COX proportional risk regression analyzed the relationship between miR-873 and miR-138-5p and the prognosis of NSCLC patients.Results Comparison with control group,the expressions of miR-873(1.02±0.23 vs 3.15±0.82)and miR-138-5p(1.21±0.26 vs 3.54±0.92)in serum of NSCLC group were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=-25.426,-24.769,all P＜0.05).The expressions of serum miR-873 and miR-138-5p of patients with low-to-moderate differentiation in TNM stages Ⅲ to Ⅳ were lower than those with highly differentiated patients in TNM stages Ⅰ to Ⅱ(t=9.615,10.253;6.889,3.361,all P＜0.05).The expressions of miR-873 and miR-138-5p in serum were negatively correlated with the values of PD-1,PD-L1,CD4 and CD8 H(r=-0.418～-0.673,all P＜0.05).The OS survival rate of NSCLC patients with low expression of miR-873 and miR-138-5p was lower than that of those with high expression of miR-873 and miR-138-5p(Log-Rankχ2=4.724,5.607,P＜0.05).TNM stage Ⅲ～Ⅳ was a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC(P＜0.05),and miR-873 and miR-138-5p were protective factors(P＜0.05).Conclusion The expressions of miR-873 and miR-138-5p in serum of NSCLC patients are down-regulated,which is related to TIME and low survival rate.

Objective:To discuss the clinical curative effect of the treatment of bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels in the chronic bong mallet finger.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with chronic bong mallet fingers who underwent surgery in the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery of Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital from May 2021 to February 2023. During the procedure, made into transverse double bone tunnels on the base of the distal phalanx with 0. 8 mm Kirschner wire, bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels, then fixed with Kirschner wire elastic compression. Removal of the Kirschner wire 3 weeks after the procedure, the active flexion and extension range of the joints of the affected finger and the corresponding finger were measured at the last follow-up, then the range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and total action movement (TAM) of the fingers (affected and healthy finger) were recorded. The curative effects were evaluated according to the TAM system of the American Association of Hand Surgeons, including 4 grades: excellent, good, fair, and poor. SPSS 13. 0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data, and the measurement data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as Mean ± SD. The ROM of DIPJ and TAM of the affected finger were compared with the corresponding healthy finger 6 months after surgery by a paired sample t test. P<0. 05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant. Results:A total of 30 patients (30 digits) were enrolled, including 19 males and 11 females, and the age ranged from 18 to 62 years old, with an average age of 31 years old. The time from injury to operation was 24 to 65 days (mean of 35 days) . According to Wehbe and Schneider classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅰa, 6 cases of type Ⅰb, 7 cases of type Ⅱa, 5 cases of type Ⅱb, 2 cases of type Ⅲa and 2 cases of type Ⅲb. All incisions healed well, the intraoperative blood loss was minimal, with no infection. All 30 cases were followed up for 6 to 7 months. All fractures were well aligned and healed, malformed fingers were completely corrected, and no needle tunnel infection or needle breakage were observed. At the last follow-up, the differences of the ROM of the DIPJ [ (30. 2±3. 5) °vs. (30. 4±3. 3) °, t=2. 57, P=0. 463] and the TAM [ (235. 3± 3. 6) ° vs. (237. 7± 4. 2) °, t=1. 78, P= 0. 247 ] between the affected and healthy fingers were not statistically significant. Finger function assessment: 27 cases were excellent, and 3 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion:Satisfactory therapeutic outcome for the treatment of chronic bong mallet finger deformity can be achieved by bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels. It is an effective and practical method.

This study was designed to explore the correlation between alterations in NLRP3 levels and Th17/Treg imbalance in asthmatic mice undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).A murine model of asthma was established by intraperitoneal injection combined with nebulization of ovalbumin(OVA).Mice were randomly grouped into asthma model group and normal control group.The airway reactivity was detected with non-invasive lung function instrument.Hematoxylin and Eosin(HE)and Masson's trichrome staining were applied to evaluate the histopathological injury of lung tissue and the extent of lung fibrosis;RT-qPCR was applied to detect EMT-related biomarkers(Snail,E-Cadherin,N-Cadherin),the specific transcription factors of T cell subsets(RoRγt,Foxp3)and NLRP3 in lung tissue of mice;Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of E-cadherin,N-Cadherin and NLRP3 in lung tissue of mice.The Th17 and Treg cell populations in the spleen were enumerated via flow cytometry.Furthermore,the expression levels of NLRP3,IL-17 and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were analyzed by Giemsa staining.Compared with the control group,the asthma model group showed higher level of airway resistance,coupled with an obviously decrease in pulmonary ventilation compliance.Pathological alterations in lung tissue were evident,characterized by thickening of the airway epithelium,airway stenosis,infiltration of inflammatory cells,higher expression levels of N-Cadherin and NLRP3 proteins(P<0.05),lower expression level of E-Cadherin(P<0.001)and higher levels of marker genes(Snail and N-Cadherin)in lung tissue.Furthermore,model mice demonstrated higher level of NLRP3 in BALF(P<0.05),higher level of Th17 in spleen,and higher levels of retinoic acid orphan receptor(ROR)-γt mRNA(P<0.05)and Th17-related cytokines(IL-17)(P<0.01).Concurrently,model mice also showed an obviously decrease in the prevalence of Treg cells,Forkhead box Foxp3 mRNA(P<0.001),and Treg-related cytokine IL-10(P<0.05).The results of the Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the level of NLRP3 mRNA was positively correlated the ratio of RoR γt mRNA,but negatively correlated with Foxp3 mRNA in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice.Additionally,NLRP3 in BALF demonstrated a positive correlation with IL-17 and a negative correlation with IL-10.In conclusion,These findings suggest that NLRP3 may trigger bronchial EMT by exacerbating the immune imbalance of Th17/Treg cells.

Objective To compare the effectiveness of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) and High Aspheric Lenslet (HAL) defocus lenses in controlling myopia. Methods A total of 214 children and adolescents who were fitted with defocus lenses (DIMS or HAL) in our hospital from January to June 2023 were selected, including 100 cases in DIMS group and 114 cases in the HAL group. Changes in parameters such as spherical lens power, cylindrical lens power, spherical equivalent (SE), corneal curvature (K), axial length (AL), binocular accommodative response (BCC), positive/negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), distance/near latent phoria (DLP/NLP), and accommodative convergence to accommodation ratio (AC/A) were compared between the two groups before wearing and after wearing the lenses for 6 months, and the effectiveness of myopia control between DIMS and HAL was further compared. Results After wearing the lenses (DIMS or HAL) for 6 months, the average increase in axial length was (0.09±0.14) mm, the average increase in spherical lens power was (-0.11±0.23) D, the average increase in astigmatism was (-0.07±0.16) DC, and the average increase in spherical equivalent was (-0.15±0.24) D, with statistically significant differences observed for all these changes (t=9.24, -7.27, -6.60, -9.03, respectively, P < 0.001). Compared with parameters before wearing the lenses, statistically significant differences were noted after wearing for 6 months in spherical lens power, cylindrical lens power, SE, BCC, PRA, DLP, average K, and AL (P≤0.001), except for NRA (t=-0.12, P>0.05), NLP (t=-0.28, P>0.05), and AC/A (t=0.33, P>0.05). The differences in parameters between the two groups after wearing the lenses for 6 months showed a statistically significant difference only in the AL difference (t=4.38, P≤0.001), with no statistically significant differences observed for other parameter differences (P>0.05). Conclusion Wearing defocus lenses has a positive effect on controlling myopia, delaying axial length elongation, and maintaining binocular visual function balance.

Objective:To discuss the clinical curative effect of the treatment of bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels in the chronic bong mallet finger.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with chronic bong mallet fingers who underwent surgery in the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery of Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital from May 2021 to February 2023. During the procedure, made into transverse double bone tunnels on the base of the distal phalanx with 0. 8 mm Kirschner wire, bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels, then fixed with Kirschner wire elastic compression. Removal of the Kirschner wire 3 weeks after the procedure, the active flexion and extension range of the joints of the affected finger and the corresponding finger were measured at the last follow-up, then the range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and total action movement (TAM) of the fingers (affected and healthy finger) were recorded. The curative effects were evaluated according to the TAM system of the American Association of Hand Surgeons, including 4 grades: excellent, good, fair, and poor. SPSS 13. 0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data, and the measurement data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as Mean ± SD. The ROM of DIPJ and TAM of the affected finger were compared with the corresponding healthy finger 6 months after surgery by a paired sample t test. P<0. 05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant. Results:A total of 30 patients (30 digits) were enrolled, including 19 males and 11 females, and the age ranged from 18 to 62 years old, with an average age of 31 years old. The time from injury to operation was 24 to 65 days (mean of 35 days) . According to Wehbe and Schneider classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅰa, 6 cases of type Ⅰb, 7 cases of type Ⅱa, 5 cases of type Ⅱb, 2 cases of type Ⅲa and 2 cases of type Ⅲb. All incisions healed well, the intraoperative blood loss was minimal, with no infection. All 30 cases were followed up for 6 to 7 months. All fractures were well aligned and healed, malformed fingers were completely corrected, and no needle tunnel infection or needle breakage were observed. At the last follow-up, the differences of the ROM of the DIPJ [ (30. 2±3. 5) °vs. (30. 4±3. 3) °, t=2. 57, P=0. 463] and the TAM [ (235. 3± 3. 6) ° vs. (237. 7± 4. 2) °, t=1. 78, P= 0. 247 ] between the affected and healthy fingers were not statistically significant. Finger function assessment: 27 cases were excellent, and 3 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion:Satisfactory therapeutic outcome for the treatment of chronic bong mallet finger deformity can be achieved by bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels. It is an effective and practical method.

Objective:To discuss the clinical curative effect of the treatment of bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels in the chronic bony mallet finger.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with chronic bony mallet fingers who underwent surgery in the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery of Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital from May 2021 to February 2023. During the procedure, made into transverse double bone tunnels on the base of the distal phalanx with 0.8 mm Kirschner wire, bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels, then fixed with Kirschner wire elastic compression. Removal of the Kirschner wire 3 weeks after the procedure, the active flexion and extension range of the joints of the affected finger and the corresponding finger were measured at the last follow-up, then the range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and total action movement (TAM) of the fingers (affected and healthy finger) were recorded. The curative effects were evaluated according to the TAM system of the American Association of Hand Surgeons, including 4 grades: excellent, good, fair, and poor. SPSS 13.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data, and the measurement data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as Mean±SD. The ROM of DIPJ and TAM of the affected finger were compared with the corresponding healthy finger 6 months after surgery by a paired sample t-test. P<0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Results:A total of 30 patients (30 digits) were enrolled, including 19 males and 11 females, and the age ranged from 18 to 62 years old, with an average age of 31 years old. The time from injury to operation was 24 to 65 days (mean of 35 days). According to Wehbe and Schneider classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅰa, 6 cases of type Ⅰb, 7 cases of type Ⅱa, 5 cases of type Ⅱb, 2 cases of type Ⅲa and 2 cases of type Ⅲb. All incisions healed well, the intraoperative blood loss was minimal, with no infection. All 30 cases were followed up for 6 to 7 months. All fractures were well aligned and healed, malformed fingers were completely corrected, and no needle tunnel infection or needle breakage were observed. At the last follow-up, the differences of the ROM of the DIPJ [(30.2±3.5)° vs. (30.4±3.3)°, t=2.57, P=0.463] and the TAM [(235.3±3.6)° vs. (237.7±4.2)°, t=1.78, P=0.247] between the affected and healthy fingers were not statistically significant. Finger function assessment: 27 cases were excellent, and 3 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion:Satisfactory therapeutic outcome for the treatment of chronic bony mallet finger deformity can be achieved by bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels. It is an effective and practical method.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of modified Xiaoyao powder for postpartum depression (PPD) by conducting a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases (CNKI), the Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wanfang, Google Scholar, the SinoMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases were searched from their inception to April 25, 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the quality of the trials. We applied the risk ratio to present dichotomous data and the mean difference to present continuous data. Data with similar characteristics were pooled for meta-analysis and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Results: This review included 35 trials involving 2848 participants. The quality of the included studies was low (unclear randomization processes and insufficient reporting of blinding). Participants treated with modified Xiaoyao powder plus Western medicine showed lower Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) depression score than those who used Western medicine alone (mean difference = −2.15; 95% confidence interval:−2.52 to 1.78; P < .00001), and higher effective rate (relative risk = 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.15 to 1.24; P < .00001), When comparing modified Xiaoyao alone with Western medicine, the HAMD depression score remained low, however, the efficacy rate was higher in the modified Xiaoyao group. Regarding adverse events, the modified Xiaoyao group reported weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea, but no severe adverse events were reported. Conclusion Modified Xiaoyao may help relieve depression in PPD when used alone or in combination with Western medicine, with minor side effects. Therefore, future high-quality, large-sample size RCTs are warranted.